Kia is strengthening its presence in the local automobile market by unveiling the world’s first high-performance electric vehicle (EV) ‘The Kia EV9 GT’ in North America and introducing a new model of its flagship model ‘Sportage’.
Kia launched its electric vehicles ‘The Kia EV9 GT’ and ‘The New EV6’ at the ‘2024 LA Auto Show’ held at the LA Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 21st (local time). SUV ‘The New Sportage’ was introduced to the North American market.
Kia revealed its strong commitment to the transition to electrification by unveiling new EV models, including the ‘EV9 GT’, a high-performance version of the flagship electric SUV ‘EV9’. In addition, the company is strengthening its presence in the local SUV market by introducing a new look for the best-selling model Sportage, which leads sales in the United States.
‘The Kia EV9 GT’, which was unveiled for the first time in the world on this day, is a high-performance model of the electric large SUV ‘EV9’, which has been well received in the global market since its launch last year. Previously, the EV9 was recognized for its marketability in the North American market by winning the SUV category of the ‘2024 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY)’ in January this year.
Steven Center, COO of Kia America Corporation, said, “EV9 GT contains all the attractive elements of the electric three-row SUV ‘EV9’ while also providing great driving fun elements that will capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts. “It has been strengthened,” he said.
The Kia EV9 GT is being developed with the goal of securing a maximum power output of 508 horsepower (ps) through a dual motor combination consisting of a 160kW front-wheel motor and a 270kW rear-wheel motor. This is 124 horsepower higher than the EV9 GT line (384 horsepower), and the EV9 GT is expected to achieve dynamic power performance through a combination of a high-performance motor and a high-output battery.
In addition, the EV9 GT plans to achieve balanced ride comfort and handling performance by optimally controlling the vehicle posture through the preview electronically controlled suspension (ECS), which is the first Kia SUV to be applied. In addition, the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), which is installed for the first time in Kia’s three-row SUV, actively controls the driving force of the left and right wheels, allowing the vehicle to drive stably and quickly through curved sections.
The EV9 GT is completed with a sporty GT-specific design befitting a high-performance model. GT-exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels and neon-colored calipers give the exterior a dynamic impression. The GT-specific ‘ENERGETIC’ pattern of the digital pattern lighting grille and the pattern at the bottom of the bumper create a differentiated front design.
As for the interior, neon-colored design points engraved throughout the interior, including the steering wheel and sports seats, visually revealed the EV9 GT’s powerful driving performance. The neon-colored GT button on the steering wheel not only stimulates the driver’s emotions by its mere presence, but also allows you to directly experience the differentiated driving sensibility unique to GT when you press it.
In addition, various design elements such as the GT logo embossed on the seat and the GT-specific seatback ambient light completed the differentiated interior of the EV9 GT.
The Kia EV9 GT is scheduled to be launched in major global automobile markets, including North America, in the second half of 2025, starting with Korea in the first half of 2025. The specifications to be sold in Korea in the future will be somewhat different from the North American specifications unveiled at this LA Auto Show.
On this day, Kia also announced the new evolution of the Sportage, the No. 1 selling model in the United States. ‘The New Sportage’ is an improved product model of the 5th generation Sportage, and is characterized by applying Kia’s latest design identity and cutting-edge specifications.
The New Sportage has inherited the existing image of a ‘dynamic urban SUV’ and has been reborn as a more robust and futuristic look by applying sensuous and high-tech design elements. Vertical daytime running lights using Kia’s latest family look, Star Map signature lighting, and a large black radiator grill complete the exterior with a grand and powerful impression.
The interior features a panoramic curved display equipped with the next-generation infotainment system ccNC (connected car navigation cockpit) and mood lighting, creating a futuristic yet sophisticated image.
The New Sportage is scheduled to be sold in the North American market as △2.5 gasoline, △1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid (HEV), and △1.6 gasoline turbo plug-in hybrid (PHEV) starting in the second quarter of next year.
**Given Kia’s focus on high-performance electrification with the EV9 GT, how do you think this strategy will impact their brand image and appeal to a wider range of consumers beyond early EV adopters?**
## World Today News Presents: Kia’s Electrifying Future
**Welcome to today’s discussion on Kia’s latest developments in the automotive market. We’re joined by two esteemed guests:**
* **Guest 1:** [Name], Automotive Analyst at [Company Name], with a deep understanding of current market trends and automotive technology.
* **Guest 2:** [Name], Sustainability advocate and Electric Vehicle enthusiast, who actively follows the progression of EV technology and its impact on the environment.
**We will be discussing Kia’s unveiling of the EV9 GT and the New Sportage at the LA Auto Show. Let’s dive in!**
**Section 1: High-Performance Electrification**
* **Host:** Kia’s EV9 GT is their first foray into high-performance electric vehicles. [Guest 1], what does this signify for Kia’s long-term strategy in the EV market? Is this a response to growing consumer demand for performance-oriented electric vehicles?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], you’re a strong advocate for sustainable transportation. How do you view the development of high-performance EVs like the EV9 GT? Does it contribute to the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles, or could it also lead to concerns about increased energy consumption?
**Section 2: Design and Innovation**
* **Host:** The article highlights the unique design elements incorporated into the EV9 GT. [Guest 1], how do these design choices reflect the evolving trends in automotive aesthetics, particularly in the luxury and performance segments?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], Kia has emphasized the sustainable materials and technologies used in the EV9 GT. Can you elaborate on the impact of these decisions on the overall environmental footprint of the vehicle? What considerations are important for environmentally conscious consumers when evaluating EVs?
**Section 3: Market Impact and Competition**
* **Host:** The EV9 GT is set to launch in the second half of 2025. [Guest 1], how do you anticipate the EV9 GT will fare in the competitive global EV market? Who are its main rivals?
* **Host:** Kia also announced the New Sportage, focusing on the North American market. [Guest 2], how does this refreshed model address the specific needs and preferences of American consumers? How might its performance and features compare to its competitors in the SUV segment?
**Section 4: The Future of Kia**
* **Host:** Kia’s unveiling of these new models highlights their commitment to innovation and sustainability. [Guest 1], looking ahead, what future developments do you anticipate from Kia in the automotive landscape?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], from a sustainability standpoint, what do you hope to see from Kia and other automotive manufacturers in the years to come to accelerate the transition towards a more eco-friendly transportation system?
** Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insightful perspectives on Kia’s exciting developments. To our viewers, we hope this discussion has shed light on the future of electric vehicles and Kia’s role in shaping it. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from World Today News!
